HOSPITAL chiefs are urging local residents to take extra care of themselves and look out for elderly relatives and neighbours during the cold weather.

People with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, asthma and lung cancer are more susceptible to seasonal illnesses such as coughs, colds, flu and Norovirus.

The adverse weather conditions which the winter months bring, also increases the chances of injuries caused from slips, trips and falls.

Julie Smith, director of nursing and quality at Mid Cheshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, which runs Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, said: “We are asking the public not to come into hospital to visit their friends or family over the winter period if they have recently felt unwell themselves, particularly if they have symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, or have had flu or a fever over the past 48 hours.

“Patients who are in hospital tend to have a lowered immune system, resulting in them being more vulnerable to picking up bugs such as these.

“Rather than risk passing on infections by visiting in person, we would suggest phoning the ward to check on relatives.

“We are happy for patients to make and receive calls on their mobile telephones in day rooms, and staff can facilitate a bedside telephone call for those whose mobility is limited.”

Visitors are asked to remember to wash their hands with soap and warm water when coming onto or leaving a ward area, and to use the hand gels provided at the entrance and exit to all patient areas.

The NHS is also encouraging members of the public to use the range of services available to them, as part of its Choose Well campaign.

This ranges from self care – where minor illnesses, ailments and injuries can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet – and using your local pharmacy, through to visiting your GP, local Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Care Centre. Accident and Emergency Departments, along with calling 999, should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.

For further information on the local Choose Well campaign, visit www.cecpct.nhs.uk/choose-well.